Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has declared Iran as the world’s “number one” power. “Everybody has understood that Iran is the number one power in the world,” Ahmadinejad said in a speech in Tehran on Thursday [Fars News agency, 28 February].
“Today the name of Iran means a firm punch in the teeth of the powerful and it puts them in their place,” Ahmadinejad added.
On Monday, during an address to the Assembly of Experts in Tehran, Ahmadinejad had called the Islamic revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic the “greatest events of the contemporary history” since the appointment of “Prophet Muhammad as messenger of Allah and the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson Imam Hussain” [IRNA, 25 February].
In the past few days, President Ahmadinejad has insisted that the latest IAEA report on Iran nuclear program was a total victory for Iran, and the issue was no more. This in spite of reports that the UN Security Council will pass a third sanctions resolution against Iran as early as tomorrow.
I have voiced my concerns in previous posts that the leadership in Tehran seems to have lost touch with realities. Ahmadinejad’s recent pronouncements, however, unfortunately go a step further. We might be witnessing a dangerous situation of leaders becoming delusional. Iran can certainly ill afford it at a critical moment in its history.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
News from Iran
Iternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued its latest report on Iran’s nuclear program and it dominated the coverage in Iranian media. The Iranian leaders declared “victory” over the report. The IAEA did clear up a number of ambiguities in the program’s past, but it added a major new problem for Iran: IAEA said a possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear program is of “serious concern” and as a result it could not say if the program was peaceful. The US said the report strengthened the case for further UN sanctions against Iran. Indeed the representatives of the six major powers gathered in Washington and agreed to pass a new UN resolution against Iran. On domestic front, the disqualifications of reformist candidate to stand for elections for the new parliament dominated the media coverage. Although the elections watchdog group reinstated the eligibility of some candidates, the reformist parties bitterly complained that more then half their candidates remain disqualified.
The IAEA Report
· IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program acknowledged Tehran had cleared up several concerns and ambiguities in program’s past; the report also said a possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear program was of “serious concern”; IAEA said as a result it was not in a position to determine the nature of Iran’s nuclear program; the report called weaponization “the one major unsolved issue” relevant to the nature of Iran's nuclear program.
· Iranian government declared “victory” over the report; the government said Iran had answered all questions posed by IAEA satisfactorily; Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the nuclear program was one of the examples of high achievement since the Islamic revolution; Khamemei added that personal role of President Ahmadinejad and “his resistance in the nuclear case” was crucial in Iran’s “victory”; “I do not know how to thank people who have stood over the nuclear issue,” Khamenei added.
· Iran called the evidence presented through IAEA on the country’s weaponization program “baseless” and “fabricated”; the weaponization program, called the Green Salt Project, allegedly was a program to produce uranium metal, detonators, and warheads which together form the structure of a nuclear weapon program; Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad said the alleged evidence could have been fabricated by “any fifth-grader with access to a computer.”
· US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for a quick UN action to penalize Iran for refusing to roll back its nuclear program; Rice said the new IAEA report strengthened the case for further UN sanctions against Iran.
· France said the IAEA report raises questions about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities;French foreign ministry spokesman said “important uncertainties” remain, in particular on activities that could have a “military nuclear dimension.”
· Senior diplomats from the six major powers gathered in Washington and agreed on a two-track strategy on Iran nuclear issue; they will pass a new round of sanctions at UN Security Council while offering Tehran new incentives if it halted its uranium enrichment activities; US predicted a favorable vote on new UN sanctions against Iran following the meeting in Washington.
· Iranian ambassador to UN said Iran would continue to defy UN Security Council resolutions to halt its uranium enrichment program; he said the documents cited as possible evidence of Iran's effort to develop nuclear weapons were “forgeries.”
· The US Treasury Department is considering sanctions against Bank Markazi, Iran's central bank, The Wall Street Journal reported; such sanctions, particularly if supported by US allies in Europe and Asia, could have a severe impact on Iranian trade and its banking transactions.
Major Regional Storylines
· France, UAE and Qatar took part in large-scale war games in the Persian Gulf; France had recently announced that it would establish a permanent military base in UAE; France deployed 1,500 personnel, two frigates and eight Mirage fighter jets to the joint maneuvers; 2,500 Emirate and 1,300 Qatari troops also took part in maneuvers; the exercise took place in UAE territory and international waters near the Strait of Hormuz; the maneuvers which started on 25 February was scheduled to last until 5 March.
· Iran set March 2 as the date for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's landmark visit to Iraq; Ahmadinejad is to hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani during his two-day visit; Ahmadinejad’s visit would be the first by an Iranian leader since the Islamic revolution and the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq.
· Tehran mayor visited Baghdad; Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf met with his counterpart in Baghdad, Sabir al-Isawi; he also held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; Qalibaf announced Iran’s readiness to participate in the reconstruction of Baghdad; al-Maliki said Tehran’s participation in reconstruction project in Baghdad will be appreciated.
· US military said it was holding 14 Iranians in Iraq; Major Brad Leighton, spokesman for the US military in Iraq, did not disclose the dates and times of their capture; US military freed nine Iranian prisoners last November.
· Iran’s foreign ministry warned that neither Turkey or the PKK are allowed to use Iranian territory to engage in armed conflict; Iraqi government demanded an immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey’s only target is the rebel group PKK; he added the cross-border operation is a result of Turkey's right of self-defense.
Major Domestic Storylines
· Chairman of Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani thanked the Guardian Council for approving the “competency” of a group of candidates who had been rejected to stand in upcoming parliamentary elections; Guardian Council has approved 4,500 candidates out of 7,597 hopefuls; Guardians Council, which has the final say in the vetting process, has said it reinstated more than 1,000 candidates rejected earlier by the Interior Ministry; Iran’s main reformist parties said nearly half their candidates have been rejected; Participation Party said its candidates could only compete in 111 out of the 290 seats; National Confidence Party said it compete in 160 seats; the two reformist parties have fielded overlapping candidate lists with 80% of the candidates shared between the two groups.
· A huge explosion shook the Iranian of Tabriz; provincial authorities said the explosion was as a result of “detonation” of explosives and munitions; the explosion took place at an IRGC base outside Tabriz.
The IAEA Report
· IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program acknowledged Tehran had cleared up several concerns and ambiguities in program’s past; the report also said a possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear program was of “serious concern”; IAEA said as a result it was not in a position to determine the nature of Iran’s nuclear program; the report called weaponization “the one major unsolved issue” relevant to the nature of Iran's nuclear program.
· Iranian government declared “victory” over the report; the government said Iran had answered all questions posed by IAEA satisfactorily; Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the nuclear program was one of the examples of high achievement since the Islamic revolution; Khamemei added that personal role of President Ahmadinejad and “his resistance in the nuclear case” was crucial in Iran’s “victory”; “I do not know how to thank people who have stood over the nuclear issue,” Khamenei added.
· Iran called the evidence presented through IAEA on the country’s weaponization program “baseless” and “fabricated”; the weaponization program, called the Green Salt Project, allegedly was a program to produce uranium metal, detonators, and warheads which together form the structure of a nuclear weapon program; Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad said the alleged evidence could have been fabricated by “any fifth-grader with access to a computer.”
· US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for a quick UN action to penalize Iran for refusing to roll back its nuclear program; Rice said the new IAEA report strengthened the case for further UN sanctions against Iran.
· France said the IAEA report raises questions about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities;French foreign ministry spokesman said “important uncertainties” remain, in particular on activities that could have a “military nuclear dimension.”
· Senior diplomats from the six major powers gathered in Washington and agreed on a two-track strategy on Iran nuclear issue; they will pass a new round of sanctions at UN Security Council while offering Tehran new incentives if it halted its uranium enrichment activities; US predicted a favorable vote on new UN sanctions against Iran following the meeting in Washington.
· Iranian ambassador to UN said Iran would continue to defy UN Security Council resolutions to halt its uranium enrichment program; he said the documents cited as possible evidence of Iran's effort to develop nuclear weapons were “forgeries.”
· The US Treasury Department is considering sanctions against Bank Markazi, Iran's central bank, The Wall Street Journal reported; such sanctions, particularly if supported by US allies in Europe and Asia, could have a severe impact on Iranian trade and its banking transactions.
Major Regional Storylines
· France, UAE and Qatar took part in large-scale war games in the Persian Gulf; France had recently announced that it would establish a permanent military base in UAE; France deployed 1,500 personnel, two frigates and eight Mirage fighter jets to the joint maneuvers; 2,500 Emirate and 1,300 Qatari troops also took part in maneuvers; the exercise took place in UAE territory and international waters near the Strait of Hormuz; the maneuvers which started on 25 February was scheduled to last until 5 March.
· Iran set March 2 as the date for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's landmark visit to Iraq; Ahmadinejad is to hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani during his two-day visit; Ahmadinejad’s visit would be the first by an Iranian leader since the Islamic revolution and the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq.
· Tehran mayor visited Baghdad; Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf met with his counterpart in Baghdad, Sabir al-Isawi; he also held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; Qalibaf announced Iran’s readiness to participate in the reconstruction of Baghdad; al-Maliki said Tehran’s participation in reconstruction project in Baghdad will be appreciated.
· US military said it was holding 14 Iranians in Iraq; Major Brad Leighton, spokesman for the US military in Iraq, did not disclose the dates and times of their capture; US military freed nine Iranian prisoners last November.
· Iran’s foreign ministry warned that neither Turkey or the PKK are allowed to use Iranian territory to engage in armed conflict; Iraqi government demanded an immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey’s only target is the rebel group PKK; he added the cross-border operation is a result of Turkey's right of self-defense.
Major Domestic Storylines
· Chairman of Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani thanked the Guardian Council for approving the “competency” of a group of candidates who had been rejected to stand in upcoming parliamentary elections; Guardian Council has approved 4,500 candidates out of 7,597 hopefuls; Guardians Council, which has the final say in the vetting process, has said it reinstated more than 1,000 candidates rejected earlier by the Interior Ministry; Iran’s main reformist parties said nearly half their candidates have been rejected; Participation Party said its candidates could only compete in 111 out of the 290 seats; National Confidence Party said it compete in 160 seats; the two reformist parties have fielded overlapping candidate lists with 80% of the candidates shared between the two groups.
· A huge explosion shook the Iranian of Tabriz; provincial authorities said the explosion was as a result of “detonation” of explosives and munitions; the explosion took place at an IRGC base outside Tabriz.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Iran Challenged on Nuclear Program
The IAEA report did clear up a number of ambiguities in the program’s past. But it added a major problem for Iran: IAEA said a possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear program is of “serious concern” and as a result it could not say if the program was/is peaceful.
The Iranian government declared “victory” over the report, calling the evidence on Green Salt project “baseless” and “fabricated.” Green Salt allegedly was a program to produce uranium metal, detonators, and warheads which together form the structure of a nuclear weapon program. President Ahmadinejad said in a TV interview that the alleged evidence could have been fabricated by “any fifth-grader with access to a computer” [IRIB, Channel 1; 24 February].
IAEA deputy chief and head of safeguard, Olli Heinonen, today briefed the IAEA board members on details supporting the agency’s report. AFP reports that the Iranian ambassador to IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, was so enraged at Heinonen’s presentation, especially his briefing on the evidence supporting the existence of the Green Salt project that Heinonen had to calm him twice and to ask him to stay on the subject [AFP, 25 February].
I have argued before in this site that Iran could have easily accepted the fact that it was indeed studying the weaponization program, but it halted those activities in 2003. As is, the government has cornered itself. It has to repeat that the evidence is fabricated and could be the work of a fifth-grader and so on, then to be “enraged” when the evidence are shown at an IAEA board briefing.
These are not the finest hours for Iranian diplomacy. Senior diplomats from the six major powers gathered today in Washington and agreed on a two-track strategy on Iran nuclear issue. They will pass a new round of sanctions at UN Security Council in the next few days while offering Tehran negotiations if it halted its uranium enrichment activities.
The severity of the new sanctions, or lack of, however, will not be the big news. The significance of such move at UNSC will be the “Yes” vote by Russia and China.
The US will add its own set of severe sanctions. There are widespread reports that US will blacklist the Central Bank of Iran. The EU, or at least the major European powers, can take similar measure. Sanctioning Bank Markazi, the Central Bank, would be a disaster for Iran. It will severely disrupt its international trade and banking transactions.
Calling the IAEA report a “victory” for the Iranian nation is like living in a parallel universe. It’s an eerie feeling in Tehran these days that the leaders might have lost touch with realities.
The Iranian government declared “victory” over the report, calling the evidence on Green Salt project “baseless” and “fabricated.” Green Salt allegedly was a program to produce uranium metal, detonators, and warheads which together form the structure of a nuclear weapon program. President Ahmadinejad said in a TV interview that the alleged evidence could have been fabricated by “any fifth-grader with access to a computer” [IRIB, Channel 1; 24 February].
IAEA deputy chief and head of safeguard, Olli Heinonen, today briefed the IAEA board members on details supporting the agency’s report. AFP reports that the Iranian ambassador to IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, was so enraged at Heinonen’s presentation, especially his briefing on the evidence supporting the existence of the Green Salt project that Heinonen had to calm him twice and to ask him to stay on the subject [AFP, 25 February].
I have argued before in this site that Iran could have easily accepted the fact that it was indeed studying the weaponization program, but it halted those activities in 2003. As is, the government has cornered itself. It has to repeat that the evidence is fabricated and could be the work of a fifth-grader and so on, then to be “enraged” when the evidence are shown at an IAEA board briefing.
These are not the finest hours for Iranian diplomacy. Senior diplomats from the six major powers gathered today in Washington and agreed on a two-track strategy on Iran nuclear issue. They will pass a new round of sanctions at UN Security Council in the next few days while offering Tehran negotiations if it halted its uranium enrichment activities.
The severity of the new sanctions, or lack of, however, will not be the big news. The significance of such move at UNSC will be the “Yes” vote by Russia and China.
The US will add its own set of severe sanctions. There are widespread reports that US will blacklist the Central Bank of Iran. The EU, or at least the major European powers, can take similar measure. Sanctioning Bank Markazi, the Central Bank, would be a disaster for Iran. It will severely disrupt its international trade and banking transactions.
Calling the IAEA report a “victory” for the Iranian nation is like living in a parallel universe. It’s an eerie feeling in Tehran these days that the leaders might have lost touch with realities.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
French Military Maneuvers in Persian Gulf
France, UAE and Qatar will take part in large-scale war games in the Persian Gulf next week. France had recently announced that it would establish a permanent military base in the UAE. Next week’s war games will be a manifestation of the growing French military presence near Iran.
France will deploy 1,500 personnel, two frigates and eight Mirage fighter jets to the joint maneuvers. The extent of UAE and Qatari participation in the war games has not been announced.
Iran has strongly criticized as “unfriendly” the French move to build a military base across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran.
France will deploy 1,500 personnel, two frigates and eight Mirage fighter jets to the joint maneuvers. The extent of UAE and Qatari participation in the war games has not been announced.
Iran has strongly criticized as “unfriendly” the French move to build a military base across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran.
Reactions to IAEA Report
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today declared “victory” over superpowers after IAEA published its report on the country’s nuclear program. Ahmadinejad said he would have ordered a nationwide celebration if the country was not observing the religious month of Safar [IRIB, 23 February].
Yesterday, the IAEA had said in its report that because of unresolved issues concerning an alleged Iranian program to produce a nuclear weapon (Green Salt project), it was not in a position to determine the full nature of Iran’s nuclear program. IAEA report expressed “serious concerns” in this regard. Iran analysts were bewildered today how President Ahmadinejad could declare victory over such strongly-worded statement by the IAEA.
In a related development, France said the IAEA report raises questions about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities [AFP, 23 February]. A French foreign ministry statement said “important uncertainties remain, in particular on activities that could have a military nuclear dimension.”
In the US, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for a quick UN action to penalize Iran for refusing to roll back its nuclear program. Rice said the new IAEA report strengthened the case for further UN sanctions against Iran [AP, 23 February].
Yesterday, the IAEA had said in its report that because of unresolved issues concerning an alleged Iranian program to produce a nuclear weapon (Green Salt project), it was not in a position to determine the full nature of Iran’s nuclear program. IAEA report expressed “serious concerns” in this regard. Iran analysts were bewildered today how President Ahmadinejad could declare victory over such strongly-worded statement by the IAEA.
In a related development, France said the IAEA report raises questions about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities [AFP, 23 February]. A French foreign ministry statement said “important uncertainties remain, in particular on activities that could have a military nuclear dimension.”
In the US, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for a quick UN action to penalize Iran for refusing to roll back its nuclear program. Rice said the new IAEA report strengthened the case for further UN sanctions against Iran [AP, 23 February].
Friday, February 22, 2008
The IAEA Report
“The Agency is not yet in a position to determine the full nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.” (IAEA Iran Safeguard Report, 22 February 2008)
The long awaited IAEA report on Iranian nuclear program was released today. The report indicates that Iran has answered most of the questions and has resolved ambiguities about the program’s past, save one major issue: the alleged studies on the “green salt” project, high explosives testing and the missile re-entry vehicle. Hence, the agency could not certify that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
As the readers of this blog are aware, our post on n 1 September 2007 indicated that the US officials have provided the IAEA the evidence that Green Salt involves the production of uranium metal which is the core of atomic bombs, as well as the production of high explosives and missile warheads which altogether would make up the structure of an advanced nuclear weapon program.
Today, IAEA reports that it has indeed confronted the Iranian officials with evidence obtained from the US and other countries on the Green Salt and other relevant information.
- The conversion of uranium dioxide (UO2) into uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) (the green salt project), with a capacity to process about 1 ton per year of UF4.
- A sketch of a process to produce 50 tons of UF4 per year.
- High explosives testing and the design of a missile re-entry vehicle, which could have a military nuclear dimension.
- The testing of high voltage detonator firing equipment.
- The development of an exploding bridgewire.
- The roles of certain officials and institutes and their relation to nuclear activities.
- “Project 4” (possibly uranium enrichment) and laser related R&D activities.
The IAEA reports indicated that on 15 February 2008, the agency proposed to Iran a further meeting to show “additional documentation on the alleged studies” to Iran after being authorized to do so by the countries which had provided them. Iran has not yet responded to the agency’s request.
IAEA has clarified all the remaining outstanding issues. However, the Green Salt and related projects remain unresolved, and as a result the very nature of the Iran’s progam remains unclear.
IAEA board of governors would meet on 3 March to examine today’s report.
The long awaited IAEA report on Iranian nuclear program was released today. The report indicates that Iran has answered most of the questions and has resolved ambiguities about the program’s past, save one major issue: the alleged studies on the “green salt” project, high explosives testing and the missile re-entry vehicle. Hence, the agency could not certify that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
As the readers of this blog are aware, our post on n 1 September 2007 indicated that the US officials have provided the IAEA the evidence that Green Salt involves the production of uranium metal which is the core of atomic bombs, as well as the production of high explosives and missile warheads which altogether would make up the structure of an advanced nuclear weapon program.
Today, IAEA reports that it has indeed confronted the Iranian officials with evidence obtained from the US and other countries on the Green Salt and other relevant information.
- The conversion of uranium dioxide (UO2) into uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) (the green salt project), with a capacity to process about 1 ton per year of UF4.
- A sketch of a process to produce 50 tons of UF4 per year.
- High explosives testing and the design of a missile re-entry vehicle, which could have a military nuclear dimension.
- The testing of high voltage detonator firing equipment.
- The development of an exploding bridgewire.
- The roles of certain officials and institutes and their relation to nuclear activities.
- “Project 4” (possibly uranium enrichment) and laser related R&D activities.
The IAEA reports indicated that on 15 February 2008, the agency proposed to Iran a further meeting to show “additional documentation on the alleged studies” to Iran after being authorized to do so by the countries which had provided them. Iran has not yet responded to the agency’s request.
IAEA has clarified all the remaining outstanding issues. However, the Green Salt and related projects remain unresolved, and as a result the very nature of the Iran’s progam remains unclear.
IAEA board of governors would meet on 3 March to examine today’s report.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
News from Iran
Iranian leaders launched strongly-worded attacks on Israel in the aftermath of the assassination of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh. IRGC commander predicted the destruction of Israel in the “near future.” Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination. On the nuclear front, Iran denied new allegations regarding the existence of nuclear weapon activities inside the country. Iran announced that it will fire two new rockets into space in near future. The country test-fired its first space rocket in early February. Iran denied that it was building long-range ballistic missiles and insisted that its space program was “absolutely peaceful.” On domestic front, the Guardian Council, country’s highest elections authority, reinstated some of the candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, but reformist parties said vast number of their candidates remained disqualified to stand elections.
Mughniyeh Assassination
· IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari predicted Hezbollah will destroy Israel soon; “In the near future, we will witness the destruction of Israel, the aggressor, this cancerous microbe Israel, at the able hands of the soldiers of the community of Hezbollah,” Gen. Jafari said; his comments came in a condolence message to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah after assassination in Damascus of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughnieh.
· Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel for killing Mughnieh; Khamenei hailed Mughniyeh as a “great man”; Khamenie predicted that Mughniyeh’s death would increase resistance against Israel.
· Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended Mughniyeh’s funeral in the Shiite suburbs of Beirut; in a speech, Mottaki spoke of Iran's respect for Mughnieh.
· Israel announced it will launch a complain at UN Security Council over the statement by IRGC commander; Israel said Gen. Jafari’s comments were an expression of hope for the destruction of a fellow member state in the UN, as well as a statement which is “anti-Semitic and expressing the worst kind of racism.”
· Iran denied a report published by Saudi daily Al Jazira that Imad Mughniyeh used Iranian passport while traveling to various parts of the world; Iran's embassy in Riyadh described the report “as a propaganda which will be to the benefit of the enemies of both countries.”
Iran Nuclear Program
· IranianVP held talks with IAEA officials on past nuclear activities; Qolam Reza Aghazadeh Aghazadeh met IAEA Deputy Director General Oil Heinonen and answered questions about Iran’s nuclear past; US recently shared “new intelligence” on alleged Iranian nuclear weapons work with IAEA; Washington reportedly gave the IAEA permission to confront Iran with the evidence; Iran denied US allegation regarding the existence of a nuclear weapon program.
· Iran's Ambassador to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali Asghar Soltaniyeh said that IAEA is to release its report on Iran on 22 February; IAEA board will meet on 3 March to examine the report.
Iran Space Program
· Iran plans to fire two new rockets into space; Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Director Ahmad Talebzadeh announced the plans following the successful test of Explorer-1 rocket on 4 February; Talebzadeh said Explorer-2 and Explorer-3 rockets will be sent into orbit “in the near future”; ISA announced that the Explorer-1 is sending data back to earth from an altitude of up to 250 kilometers; the Explorer-4 rocket is planned to carry Iran’s first homemade satellite named Omid (Hope) into orbit; Talebzadeh said that Iran’s space activities are “absolutely peaceful.”
· With the launch of its space rocket in early February, Iran joined the world's top 11 countries possessing space technology to build satellites and launch rockets into space; Iran's rocket test heightened tensions in Middle East; the Israelis suggested there was no reason now to believe the Iranians couldn’t create a long-range ballistic missile and launch a weapon system in their direction.
Major Regional Storylines
· UAE Vice president and the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum arrived in Tehran; Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Iran's Vice President Parviz Davoudi at the airport; Sheikh Mohammed held talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; Iran, UAE trade ties was the main topic of discussion between the two leaders.
· Russia’s oil giant Gazprom is to develop oil and gas fields in Iran; Gazprom announced that it will participate in the development of two sectors of the energy-rich Iran’s South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf; Gazprom was also awarded extraction of oil in Iran; Iranian Oil Ministry did not disclose the locations awarded to Gazprom for oil exploration.
· A Shia militia leader was arrested in Baghdad charged with providing Iranian weapons to Iraqi fighters; US military spokesman, Capt. Vic Beck, said the arrested militia leader was in charge of all Shia militia fighters in western Baghdad; the militia leader was suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons to fighters in his area of responsibility.
Major Domestic Storylines
· Iran reinstates 251 candidates for 14 March parliamentary elections; Iran's Interior Ministry had banned more than 2,200 candidates to stand for elections; Iran's highest elections oversight body, the Guardian Council, had already reinstated nearly 600 of those candidates; the authorities can disqualify candidates who “are not deemed as showing sufficient loyalty to Iran's Islamic system”; reformists strongly criticized the mass disqualifications of their candidates; the reformists blamed the government for sheer number of disqualifications to keep them out of power; many of reformists’ top candidates remained disqualified.
· Iranian Oil Bourse (IOB) started trading, sans dollar contracts; Iranian Oil Minister Qolam Hossein Nozari said oil and petrochemical products will be traded at IOB in rials and a host of other currencies including Russian rubles, but no US dollars; the first day of trading saw sales of 100 tons polyethylene; trading in crude oil will come at a later stage with no specific date set yet.
· Iran imported gas from Azerbaijan; Iran begun importing one million cubic meters of natural gas per day from Azerbaijan; the imports was to help compensate for gas shortages caused by a cut in deliveries from Turkmenistan; the new gas imports from Azerbaijan started late January; Iran imported 23 million cubic meters per day from Turkmenistan until last December.
· Production at giant Azadegan oilfield in Iran began ahead of schedule; Azadegan, in Iran’s Khuzestan province, is the world's largest oilfield discovered in the past 30 years, with 33 billion barrels of proven reserves; National Iranian South Oilfields Managing Director Seifollah Jashnsaz said during the first phase of development plan, 150,000 bpd of crude oil would be produced.
· Oil price hikes boosted Iran’s hard currency reserves to $76 billion in 2007; Bank Markazi, Iran’s central bank, made the announcement in Tehran; price of oil futures reached $100 per barrel for the first time ever.
Mughniyeh Assassination
· IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari predicted Hezbollah will destroy Israel soon; “In the near future, we will witness the destruction of Israel, the aggressor, this cancerous microbe Israel, at the able hands of the soldiers of the community of Hezbollah,” Gen. Jafari said; his comments came in a condolence message to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah after assassination in Damascus of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughnieh.
· Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel for killing Mughnieh; Khamenei hailed Mughniyeh as a “great man”; Khamenie predicted that Mughniyeh’s death would increase resistance against Israel.
· Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended Mughniyeh’s funeral in the Shiite suburbs of Beirut; in a speech, Mottaki spoke of Iran's respect for Mughnieh.
· Israel announced it will launch a complain at UN Security Council over the statement by IRGC commander; Israel said Gen. Jafari’s comments were an expression of hope for the destruction of a fellow member state in the UN, as well as a statement which is “anti-Semitic and expressing the worst kind of racism.”
· Iran denied a report published by Saudi daily Al Jazira that Imad Mughniyeh used Iranian passport while traveling to various parts of the world; Iran's embassy in Riyadh described the report “as a propaganda which will be to the benefit of the enemies of both countries.”
Iran Nuclear Program
· IranianVP held talks with IAEA officials on past nuclear activities; Qolam Reza Aghazadeh Aghazadeh met IAEA Deputy Director General Oil Heinonen and answered questions about Iran’s nuclear past; US recently shared “new intelligence” on alleged Iranian nuclear weapons work with IAEA; Washington reportedly gave the IAEA permission to confront Iran with the evidence; Iran denied US allegation regarding the existence of a nuclear weapon program.
· Iran's Ambassador to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali Asghar Soltaniyeh said that IAEA is to release its report on Iran on 22 February; IAEA board will meet on 3 March to examine the report.
Iran Space Program
· Iran plans to fire two new rockets into space; Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Director Ahmad Talebzadeh announced the plans following the successful test of Explorer-1 rocket on 4 February; Talebzadeh said Explorer-2 and Explorer-3 rockets will be sent into orbit “in the near future”; ISA announced that the Explorer-1 is sending data back to earth from an altitude of up to 250 kilometers; the Explorer-4 rocket is planned to carry Iran’s first homemade satellite named Omid (Hope) into orbit; Talebzadeh said that Iran’s space activities are “absolutely peaceful.”
· With the launch of its space rocket in early February, Iran joined the world's top 11 countries possessing space technology to build satellites and launch rockets into space; Iran's rocket test heightened tensions in Middle East; the Israelis suggested there was no reason now to believe the Iranians couldn’t create a long-range ballistic missile and launch a weapon system in their direction.
Major Regional Storylines
· UAE Vice president and the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum arrived in Tehran; Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Iran's Vice President Parviz Davoudi at the airport; Sheikh Mohammed held talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; Iran, UAE trade ties was the main topic of discussion between the two leaders.
· Russia’s oil giant Gazprom is to develop oil and gas fields in Iran; Gazprom announced that it will participate in the development of two sectors of the energy-rich Iran’s South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf; Gazprom was also awarded extraction of oil in Iran; Iranian Oil Ministry did not disclose the locations awarded to Gazprom for oil exploration.
· A Shia militia leader was arrested in Baghdad charged with providing Iranian weapons to Iraqi fighters; US military spokesman, Capt. Vic Beck, said the arrested militia leader was in charge of all Shia militia fighters in western Baghdad; the militia leader was suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons to fighters in his area of responsibility.
Major Domestic Storylines
· Iran reinstates 251 candidates for 14 March parliamentary elections; Iran's Interior Ministry had banned more than 2,200 candidates to stand for elections; Iran's highest elections oversight body, the Guardian Council, had already reinstated nearly 600 of those candidates; the authorities can disqualify candidates who “are not deemed as showing sufficient loyalty to Iran's Islamic system”; reformists strongly criticized the mass disqualifications of their candidates; the reformists blamed the government for sheer number of disqualifications to keep them out of power; many of reformists’ top candidates remained disqualified.
· Iranian Oil Bourse (IOB) started trading, sans dollar contracts; Iranian Oil Minister Qolam Hossein Nozari said oil and petrochemical products will be traded at IOB in rials and a host of other currencies including Russian rubles, but no US dollars; the first day of trading saw sales of 100 tons polyethylene; trading in crude oil will come at a later stage with no specific date set yet.
· Iran imported gas from Azerbaijan; Iran begun importing one million cubic meters of natural gas per day from Azerbaijan; the imports was to help compensate for gas shortages caused by a cut in deliveries from Turkmenistan; the new gas imports from Azerbaijan started late January; Iran imported 23 million cubic meters per day from Turkmenistan until last December.
· Production at giant Azadegan oilfield in Iran began ahead of schedule; Azadegan, in Iran’s Khuzestan province, is the world's largest oilfield discovered in the past 30 years, with 33 billion barrels of proven reserves; National Iranian South Oilfields Managing Director Seifollah Jashnsaz said during the first phase of development plan, 150,000 bpd of crude oil would be produced.
· Oil price hikes boosted Iran’s hard currency reserves to $76 billion in 2007; Bank Markazi, Iran’s central bank, made the announcement in Tehran; price of oil futures reached $100 per barrel for the first time ever.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Gazprom to Develop Oil and Gas Fields in Iran
Russia’s giant oil monopoly Gazprom will participate in the development of two sectors of the energy-rich South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf. Gazprom will extract gas condensate at South Pars.
In 1997, Gazprom participated in the development of Phase 2 and 3 of South Pars as a 30% shareholder in an international consortium headed by France’s Total (40%) with participation by Malaysia’s Petronas (30%). The consortium built two offshore platforms with 10 production wells each, two 100-km (62-mile) underwater gas pipelines and an onshore gas plant with annual capacity of 20 billion cubic meters.
Gazprom will also participate in extraction of oil in Iran. The Iranian Oil Ministry did not disclose the locations awarded to Gazprom for oil exploration.
The new agreement with Gazprom comes 100 years after Anglo-Persian Oil Company’s oil strike at Masjid Soleiman in 1908. Anglo-Persian is now called BP.
In 1997, Gazprom participated in the development of Phase 2 and 3 of South Pars as a 30% shareholder in an international consortium headed by France’s Total (40%) with participation by Malaysia’s Petronas (30%). The consortium built two offshore platforms with 10 production wells each, two 100-km (62-mile) underwater gas pipelines and an onshore gas plant with annual capacity of 20 billion cubic meters.
Gazprom will also participate in extraction of oil in Iran. The Iranian Oil Ministry did not disclose the locations awarded to Gazprom for oil exploration.
The new agreement with Gazprom comes 100 years after Anglo-Persian Oil Company’s oil strike at Masjid Soleiman in 1908. Anglo-Persian is now called BP.
Iran Denies Saudi Report on Mughniyeh
Saudi daily Al Jazira today reported that Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh used Iranian passport while traveling to various parts of the world. Iran denied the allegation. Iranian embassy in Riyadh today described the Al Jazira report as propaganda.
Mughniyeh was killed on 12 February after leaving Iran's Revolution Day ceremony at the Iranian Cultural Center in Damascus.
Mughniyeh was killed on 12 February after leaving Iran's Revolution Day ceremony at the Iranian Cultural Center in Damascus.
Iran to Fire New Rockets into Space
Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Director Ahmad Talebzadeh said in Tehran today that ISA plans to send two new research rockets into space following the successful test of Explorer-1 rocket on 4 February.
Talebzadeh said Explorer-2 and Explorer-3 rockets will be sent into orbit “in the near future.” Informed sources have said that the two rockets will be launched by mid-March.
ISA on Sunday announced that the Explorer-1 is sending data back to earth from an altitude of up to 250 kilometers.
The Explorer-4 rocket is planned to carry Iran’s first homemade satellite named Omid (Hope) into orbit. No exact date for the launch has been announced.
The technologies required for launching a space rocket are similar to the technologies used in a long-range ballistic missile. Talebzadeh said, however, that Iran’s space activities are “absolutely peaceful.”
ISA has extended grants to Iranian universities to conduct research on designing and manufacturing of the satellites.
Talebzadeh said Explorer-2 and Explorer-3 rockets will be sent into orbit “in the near future.” Informed sources have said that the two rockets will be launched by mid-March.
ISA on Sunday announced that the Explorer-1 is sending data back to earth from an altitude of up to 250 kilometers.
The Explorer-4 rocket is planned to carry Iran’s first homemade satellite named Omid (Hope) into orbit. No exact date for the launch has been announced.
The technologies required for launching a space rocket are similar to the technologies used in a long-range ballistic missile. Talebzadeh said, however, that Iran’s space activities are “absolutely peaceful.”
ISA has extended grants to Iranian universities to conduct research on designing and manufacturing of the satellites.
Azadegan Production Begins
Azadegan Oilfield, Phase IIRNA Photo
Production at the giant Azadegan oilfield in Iran is to begin ahead of schedule this week. Azadegan, in the Khuzestan province, is the world's largest oilfield discovered in the past 30 years, with 33 billion barrels of proven reserves.
National Iranian South Oilfields Managing Director Seifollah Jashnsaz said that during the first phase of the development plan, 150,000 bpd of crude will be produced.
National Iranian South Oilfields Managing Director Seifollah Jashnsaz said that during the first phase of the development plan, 150,000 bpd of crude will be produced.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Iran-IAEA Talks
Iran’s vice president and head of the country’s nuclear energy program, Qolam Reza Aghazadeh, held talks today in Vienna with IAEA Deputy Director General Oil Heinonen. Aghazadeh answered questions about Iran’s nuclear past [ISNA].
Published reports indicated that the US government has recently shared new intelligence with IAEA alleging the existence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Washington reportedly gave the IAEA permission to confront Iran with the evidence. Aghazadeh is believed to be in Vienna to present Iran’s response to the alleged evidence.
Tehran insists its program is intended only to produce electricity and has refused UN demands that it suspend its uranium enrichment program. The US is leading the push for a third set of UN sanctions against Iran.
Published reports indicated that the US government has recently shared new intelligence with IAEA alleging the existence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Washington reportedly gave the IAEA permission to confront Iran with the evidence. Aghazadeh is believed to be in Vienna to present Iran’s response to the alleged evidence.
Tehran insists its program is intended only to produce electricity and has refused UN demands that it suspend its uranium enrichment program. The US is leading the push for a third set of UN sanctions against Iran.
Reactions to Mughniyeh’s Death
· IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari predicted Hezbollah will destroy Israel soon; “In the near future, we will witness the destruction of Israel, the aggressor, this cancerous growth Israel, by means of the Hizbollah fighters' radiation,” Gen. Jafari said; his comments came in a condolence message to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah after assassination in Damascus of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh [IRNA].
· Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel for killing Mughniyeh; Khamenei hailed Mughniyeh as a “great man”; Khamenie predicted that Mughniyeh’s death would increase resistance against Israel.
· Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended Mughniyeh’s funeral in the Shiite suburbs of Beirut; in a speech, Mottaki spoke of Iran's respect for Mughniyeh.
· Mughniyeh was suspected of masterminding the abduction of Western hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s, the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people, the bombing of the US Marine barracks at Beirut airport in 1983, in which 241 American servicemen died and the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985, in which a US navy diver was killed.
· Israel welcomed the death of Mughniyeh. The Sunday Times, citing Israeli intelligence officials, reported yesterday that Imad Mughniyeh was killed by a powerful bomb planted by Mossad inside his car.
· Israel announced today it will launch a complain at UN Security Council over the statement by IRGC commander; Israel said Gen. Jafari’s comments were an expression of hope for the destruction of a fellow member state in the UN, as well as a statement which is “anti-Semitic and expressing the worst kind of racism.”
· Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel for killing Mughniyeh; Khamenei hailed Mughniyeh as a “great man”; Khamenie predicted that Mughniyeh’s death would increase resistance against Israel.
· Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended Mughniyeh’s funeral in the Shiite suburbs of Beirut; in a speech, Mottaki spoke of Iran's respect for Mughniyeh.
· Mughniyeh was suspected of masterminding the abduction of Western hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s, the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people, the bombing of the US Marine barracks at Beirut airport in 1983, in which 241 American servicemen died and the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985, in which a US navy diver was killed.
· Israel welcomed the death of Mughniyeh. The Sunday Times, citing Israeli intelligence officials, reported yesterday that Imad Mughniyeh was killed by a powerful bomb planted by Mossad inside his car.
· Israel announced today it will launch a complain at UN Security Council over the statement by IRGC commander; Israel said Gen. Jafari’s comments were an expression of hope for the destruction of a fellow member state in the UN, as well as a statement which is “anti-Semitic and expressing the worst kind of racism.”
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Iran Test-Fires Modified S-200 Missile
Iran’s Air Force today test-fired its S-200 surface-to-air missile defense system. IRINN quoted IRIAF Commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Miqani as saying the Air Force had made its own modifications to the S-200 system. Gen. Miqani added that the exercise was to test the efficiency level of passive defense systems against foreign threat.
The S-200 is a forty-year old medium- to high-altitude mobile surface-to-air missile system designed by the Russians. Its principal purpose is to target and destroy aircraft and cruise missiles.
Iran reported last month an agreement with Russia to purchase the advanced S-300 systems. Iran has already purchased TOR-M1 system from Russia.
The S-200 is a forty-year old medium- to high-altitude mobile surface-to-air missile system designed by the Russians. Its principal purpose is to target and destroy aircraft and cruise missiles.
Iran reported last month an agreement with Russia to purchase the advanced S-300 systems. Iran has already purchased TOR-M1 system from Russia.
Israel Kills Mughniyeh with Headrest Bomb
The Sunday Times, citing Israeli intelligence officials, reported today that Imad Mughniyeh, the Hezbollah commander, was killed by a powerful bomb planted by Mossad inside his Mitsubishi Pajero’s headrest.
On Tuesday 12 February, Imad Mughniyeh was attending a ceremony at Iranian Cultural Center in Damascus celebrating the 29th anniversary of Iranian revolution. At 10:35 pm he decided to go home, hugging and kissing Sheikoleslam Ahmad Mousavi, his host and Iran’s new ambassador to Damascus. Minutes later as he sat behind the wheel of his SUV, the bomb went off killing him instantly.
On the day Mughniyeh was buried, The Sunday Times reports, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert summond Mossad chief Meir Dagan to his office to complement him on the job and reportedly extended his term as head of Mossad until he end of 2009.
On Tuesday 12 February, Imad Mughniyeh was attending a ceremony at Iranian Cultural Center in Damascus celebrating the 29th anniversary of Iranian revolution. At 10:35 pm he decided to go home, hugging and kissing Sheikoleslam Ahmad Mousavi, his host and Iran’s new ambassador to Damascus. Minutes later as he sat behind the wheel of his SUV, the bomb went off killing him instantly.
On the day Mughniyeh was buried, The Sunday Times reports, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert summond Mossad chief Meir Dagan to his office to complement him on the job and reportedly extended his term as head of Mossad until he end of 2009.
Khamenei: God’s Punishment
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie said today in Tehran that God will punish Iranian people if they do not defend the country’s nuclear program. Ayatollah Khamenei added that Iran was not planning to build atomic bomb [IRINN].
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
News from Iran
The Islamic Republic celebrated the 29th anniversary of the Iranian revolution. President Ahmadinejad vowed not to retreat on nuclear issues and ridiculed UN Security Council resolutions against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran announced start up of its own modified centrifuge, reportedly enriching uranium three times faster than the current models. Iran also announced plans for the launch of two more space rockets before putting a homemade satellite into orbit next summer. The upcoming parliamentary elections were also covered extensively by the local media. The commander of Revolutionary Guards broke with tradition and urged Iranians to support the radical fundamentalists in the elections. Reformists and moderates reacted with anger and concern and a grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic called on the armed forces to stay clear from politics.
Iran’s Nuclear Program
· Iran started up its own modified centrifuge at Natanz uranium enrichment plant; the new unit, named IR-2, was reported to be up to three times faster than P-1 centrifuge already in operation at Natanz; IR-2 machines were reported to be a homemade version of the advanced P-2 centrifuge; Iran replaced hard-to-manufacture steel rotors needed to build P-2s with rotor tubes made of carbon fiber; development of IR-2 indicated that Iran was at a much higher stage of nuclear development than previously thought.
· “The world should know that the Iranian nation will not retreat one iota from its nuclear rights,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during a rally in Tehran marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution; Ahmadinejad dismissed UN Security Council sanctions as “bits of paper.”
· France said it regrets Iranian statements on nuclear issue; French Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said President Ahmadinejad shows no sign of openness toward a negotiated solution on Iran’s nuclear program.
· Disagreements between IAEA Chief Mohammad ElBaradei and his staff could delay releasing the report on Iran; ElBaradei was reportedly ready to issue a positive report on Iran; there was a concern among IAEA staff that most of big issues are going to be declared as resolved when “they're anything but,” IAEA sources said; some Western powers have said they might not back a third sanctions resolution against Iran if IAEA gives a positive assessment of Iran’s nuclear program.
· Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Iran is still moving forward on nuclear weapon; “Why does Iran need enriched uranium at a time when they are supplied by Russians the nuclear fuel for their civilian reactor?” asked Olmert; Israel said it would cooperate with its friends in order to deter the Iranians from continuing their nuclear program.
US-Iran Relations
· No date for US-Iran talks on Iraq were announced; Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the meeting will be held in Baghdad; US and Iran are to discuss security situation in Iraq during the talks; Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said the meeting will take place by mid-February.
· Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US of ignoring the interests and safety of millions Palestinians living in Gaza; Ayatollah Khamenei added US objective is to cause division between the people of Gaza and their elected government.
Leading Domestic Storylines
· Iran celebrated Revolution Day; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a huge rally marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that Iran would not back down “one iota” in its nuclear dispute with US; he said the Iranian nation has broken the back of “Global Arrogance” and called on the nation to “remain steadfast”; Ahmadinejad asked the crowd: “Are you ready to retreat from your nuclear rights one step or one iota?” ; the demonstrators chanted: “No, nuclear energy is our obvious right.”
· Iran reported ready to launch 2 more space rockets before placing its first domestically built satellite into orbit this summer; President Ahmadinejad said the first rocket launch on 4 February was a success; Ahmadinejad added that Iran possesses “all fundamental pieces needed to launch a satellite into space”; Ahmadinejad offered details about launch of Kavoshgar-1 [Explorer-1]; he said equipment placed on the head of Explorer-1 collected information on determining the path, pressure, wind, temperature and geographical situation and sent them back to earth.
· Islamic Revolution Guards Corp (IRGC) Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari called on Iranians to support “principlist” candidates in the 14 March parliamentary elections; Chief of the Supreme Commander's Staff Maj. Gen. Hasan Firouzabadi also condemned the reformists for seeking a rapprochement with the West; the commander of Basij Force, Iran’s military reserve force, said Basijis should have a “maximum presence” in the elections; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamene had earlier criticized unnamed Iranian politicians whom he said were being supported by President Bush; Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Islamic Republic’s founder Ayatollah Khomeini, spoke out against Iranian military interference in political process; Khomeini said his late grandfather had wanted the military to stay out of politics; “those who claim to be loyal to Imam Khomeini should be very sensitive to this order,” said Hassan Khomeini; reformists and moderates have voiced alarm at IRGC’s interference.
· 370 prominent Iranian political and social figures warned against government’s foreign policy on division of Caspian Sea; they expressed “great concern” over published reports that Ahmadinejad’s government was ready to agree to a 13% share of Caspian based on Iran’s length of shorelines; Iran and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1921 and an agreement in 1940 to have common sovereignty of the sea and equal rights for both countries; the signatories called for the Soviet Union’s share to be divided among the successor states that emerged in 1991.
Leading Regional Storylines
· Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to visit Iraq in March; the visit would the first by an Iranian leader in years.
· Iran paraded captured British boat; the British boat captured by Iranians in 2004 was paraded through the streets of Teheran as the country celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution; the boat was manned by Iranian sailors as it weaved its way through crowds of thousands of Iranians.
· Chinese parts for Iranian F-14s; published reports indicate that China was supplying Iran with parts for its US-made F-14 fighter jets.
· A large number of internet users were affected in Iran and throughout the region after four sections of submarine internet cable were cut in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean; submarine cable operators deployed ships to bring the cables up to fix the fault; it has been unprecedented for so many undersea internet cables to be damaged at the same time and in the same area.
Iran’s Nuclear Program
· Iran started up its own modified centrifuge at Natanz uranium enrichment plant; the new unit, named IR-2, was reported to be up to three times faster than P-1 centrifuge already in operation at Natanz; IR-2 machines were reported to be a homemade version of the advanced P-2 centrifuge; Iran replaced hard-to-manufacture steel rotors needed to build P-2s with rotor tubes made of carbon fiber; development of IR-2 indicated that Iran was at a much higher stage of nuclear development than previously thought.
· “The world should know that the Iranian nation will not retreat one iota from its nuclear rights,” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during a rally in Tehran marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution; Ahmadinejad dismissed UN Security Council sanctions as “bits of paper.”
· France said it regrets Iranian statements on nuclear issue; French Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said President Ahmadinejad shows no sign of openness toward a negotiated solution on Iran’s nuclear program.
· Disagreements between IAEA Chief Mohammad ElBaradei and his staff could delay releasing the report on Iran; ElBaradei was reportedly ready to issue a positive report on Iran; there was a concern among IAEA staff that most of big issues are going to be declared as resolved when “they're anything but,” IAEA sources said; some Western powers have said they might not back a third sanctions resolution against Iran if IAEA gives a positive assessment of Iran’s nuclear program.
· Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Iran is still moving forward on nuclear weapon; “Why does Iran need enriched uranium at a time when they are supplied by Russians the nuclear fuel for their civilian reactor?” asked Olmert; Israel said it would cooperate with its friends in order to deter the Iranians from continuing their nuclear program.
US-Iran Relations
· No date for US-Iran talks on Iraq were announced; Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the meeting will be held in Baghdad; US and Iran are to discuss security situation in Iraq during the talks; Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said the meeting will take place by mid-February.
· Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US of ignoring the interests and safety of millions Palestinians living in Gaza; Ayatollah Khamenei added US objective is to cause division between the people of Gaza and their elected government.
Leading Domestic Storylines
· Iran celebrated Revolution Day; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a huge rally marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that Iran would not back down “one iota” in its nuclear dispute with US; he said the Iranian nation has broken the back of “Global Arrogance” and called on the nation to “remain steadfast”; Ahmadinejad asked the crowd: “Are you ready to retreat from your nuclear rights one step or one iota?” ; the demonstrators chanted: “No, nuclear energy is our obvious right.”
· Iran reported ready to launch 2 more space rockets before placing its first domestically built satellite into orbit this summer; President Ahmadinejad said the first rocket launch on 4 February was a success; Ahmadinejad added that Iran possesses “all fundamental pieces needed to launch a satellite into space”; Ahmadinejad offered details about launch of Kavoshgar-1 [Explorer-1]; he said equipment placed on the head of Explorer-1 collected information on determining the path, pressure, wind, temperature and geographical situation and sent them back to earth.
· Islamic Revolution Guards Corp (IRGC) Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari called on Iranians to support “principlist” candidates in the 14 March parliamentary elections; Chief of the Supreme Commander's Staff Maj. Gen. Hasan Firouzabadi also condemned the reformists for seeking a rapprochement with the West; the commander of Basij Force, Iran’s military reserve force, said Basijis should have a “maximum presence” in the elections; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamene had earlier criticized unnamed Iranian politicians whom he said were being supported by President Bush; Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Islamic Republic’s founder Ayatollah Khomeini, spoke out against Iranian military interference in political process; Khomeini said his late grandfather had wanted the military to stay out of politics; “those who claim to be loyal to Imam Khomeini should be very sensitive to this order,” said Hassan Khomeini; reformists and moderates have voiced alarm at IRGC’s interference.
· 370 prominent Iranian political and social figures warned against government’s foreign policy on division of Caspian Sea; they expressed “great concern” over published reports that Ahmadinejad’s government was ready to agree to a 13% share of Caspian based on Iran’s length of shorelines; Iran and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1921 and an agreement in 1940 to have common sovereignty of the sea and equal rights for both countries; the signatories called for the Soviet Union’s share to be divided among the successor states that emerged in 1991.
Leading Regional Storylines
· Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to visit Iraq in March; the visit would the first by an Iranian leader in years.
· Iran paraded captured British boat; the British boat captured by Iranians in 2004 was paraded through the streets of Teheran as the country celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution; the boat was manned by Iranian sailors as it weaved its way through crowds of thousands of Iranians.
· Chinese parts for Iranian F-14s; published reports indicate that China was supplying Iran with parts for its US-made F-14 fighter jets.
· A large number of internet users were affected in Iran and throughout the region after four sections of submarine internet cable were cut in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean; submarine cable operators deployed ships to bring the cables up to fix the fault; it has been unprecedented for so many undersea internet cables to be damaged at the same time and in the same area.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Was It Really a Rocket?
France said today that Kavoushgar-1 (Explorer-1) space rocket launched by Iran on Monday was in fact a long-range missile not intended to deliver a satellite into space.
Although the terms missile and rocket are at times used interchangeably, but a rocket is normally a vehicle that carries a payload (like a satellite) into earth orbit or sub-orbit, but a missile is a weapon carrying a warhead (or warheads) for striking a target. A missile can also be launched into and travel through an orbit to reach its final destination, as is the case with long-rage ballistic missiles.
The French assertion that Kavoushgar-1 could have been a ballistic missile adds to the concerns raised by both US and Russia after its launch. Russia said the launch raised the suspicion that Iran was working on a nuclear weapon program.
French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said in Paris today that Iran’s new missile did not have “extra-atmospheric capabilities” as claimed and was a “further source of concern” [Reuters, 8 February].
Although the terms missile and rocket are at times used interchangeably, but a rocket is normally a vehicle that carries a payload (like a satellite) into earth orbit or sub-orbit, but a missile is a weapon carrying a warhead (or warheads) for striking a target. A missile can also be launched into and travel through an orbit to reach its final destination, as is the case with long-rage ballistic missiles.
The French assertion that Kavoushgar-1 could have been a ballistic missile adds to the concerns raised by both US and Russia after its launch. Russia said the launch raised the suspicion that Iran was working on a nuclear weapon program.
French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said in Paris today that Iran’s new missile did not have “extra-atmospheric capabilities” as claimed and was a “further source of concern” [Reuters, 8 February].
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Iran's New Centrifuge
Iran has started up its own modified centrifuge at Natanz uranium enrichment plant, AP reported today. The new unit, named IR-2, is reportedly faster than the P-1 centrifuge already in operation.
The IR-2 centrifuges were being tested at Natanz. If the reports on IR-2 capabilities are confirmed, it would indicate that Iran is at a much higher stage of nuclear development that previously thought.
The IR-2 machines were reported to be a homemade version of the advanced P-2 centrifuge whose design Iran had obtained from Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan.
The P-2 can enrich uranium gas up to three times faster than the P-1 but Iran until now had difficulty to import special steel rotors needed to build the machines. It appears that Iran has been successful to replace the steel rotors with rotor tubes made of carbon fiber.
AP quoted former UN nuclear inspector David Albright as saying that the ingenuity demonstrated by the Iranians was impressive.
“If you learn how to make carbon fiber rotors, you are very far ahead,” said Albright, an expert at Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security. “They are much cheaper and easier to make, and you can learn to spin them very fast.”
It is estimated that it would take as few as 1,200 new machines to produce enough material for one nuclear weapon in a year as compared to 3,000 older P-1 machines to do the same job.
The IR-2 centrifuges were being tested at Natanz. If the reports on IR-2 capabilities are confirmed, it would indicate that Iran is at a much higher stage of nuclear development that previously thought.
The IR-2 machines were reported to be a homemade version of the advanced P-2 centrifuge whose design Iran had obtained from Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan.
The P-2 can enrich uranium gas up to three times faster than the P-1 but Iran until now had difficulty to import special steel rotors needed to build the machines. It appears that Iran has been successful to replace the steel rotors with rotor tubes made of carbon fiber.
AP quoted former UN nuclear inspector David Albright as saying that the ingenuity demonstrated by the Iranians was impressive.
“If you learn how to make carbon fiber rotors, you are very far ahead,” said Albright, an expert at Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security. “They are much cheaper and easier to make, and you can learn to spin them very fast.”
It is estimated that it would take as few as 1,200 new machines to produce enough material for one nuclear weapon in a year as compared to 3,000 older P-1 machines to do the same job.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
News from Iran
Iran launched its first space rocket and the news dominated the coverage in the local media. Iran also inaugurated its first space control center and announced that it will launch its own satellite into space this year. Iran would join only ten other countries capable of putting satellites into earth orbits. US called the development “troubling.” Iran vowed to go ahead with its space program. On nuclear front, US changed its tone and said Iran is capable to develop a nuclear weapon by late 2009. Iran said developing uranium enrichment capabilities is among its rights and it would not halt its nuclear program. On domestic front, the government disqualified more reformist and moderate candidates to stand for elections in the upcoming parliamentary contest. A spokesman for the reformist camp said the government wants to deprive the reformists of contesting the elections.
Iran Space Program
· Iran launches space rocket; the rocket was codenamed “Kavoushgar-1” [Explorer-1]; the launch was broadcast live on IRIB, Iran’s state-run TV network; ISNA reported the rocket was launched from a desert location near Semnan in central Iran; Iran also inaugurated its first space center; the space center contains the launch pad for space rockets and also house an underground control station with tracking, control and communication equipment.
· Iran announced it will launch its first homemade research satellite this year; the satellite is named “Omid” [Hope]; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the test firing of Kavoushgar-1 was an essential step into launching the satellite aboard a similar rocket; Omid is to be set at a low orbit.
· In Tehran, President Ahmadinejad declared: ”We witness that Iran has taken its first step in space very firmly, precisely and with awareness”; the influential conservative daily Keyhan called the rocket “Iran's first ambassador in space.”
Iran Nuclear Program
· Iran’s president said he was withdrawing proposal on uranium enrichment; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he is withdrawing a proposal made in 2005 for an international consortium to enrich uranium; “This proposal is no longer on the table,” said Ahmadinejad; he added that Iran’s “right to enrich uranium” must be preserved.
· US changed its tone on Iran’s nuclear program; Iran may have nuclear weapon by 2009, said US director of national intelligence; John Michael McConnell added Iran will be capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for a weapon by late 2009; McConnell reported to US Congress that US remains “concerned” about Iran’s intentions; he added US intelligence community “assess with moderate-to-high confidence” that Iran has kept its options open to develop nuclear weapons.
· New sanctions to prompt Iran to freeze uranium enrichment, said Russia; Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said a new round of international sanctions on Iran should encourage it to freeze uranium enrichment; he added that the third round of UN sanctions on Iran would send a “serious political signal” to Iran to suspend its enrichment program.
· French Defense Minister Herve Morin cast doubt on reports that Iran had halted its suspected nuclear weapons program; Morin said in Washington that “information from a number of intelligence services” indicate Iran is “continuing to develop” its nuclear weapon program; US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) had said Iran halted its nuclear weapon program in 2003.
Iran Military Developments
· Iran designed radar-evading fighter jets; Iran's Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Miqani said Iran has started production of the new generation of fighter jets equipped with radar-evading systems; Iran is now self-sufficient in manufacturing air defense and radar systems required for its defense, Miqani added.
· IRGC to use new attack helicopters; Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they begin using the first Iranian-made helicopters capable of carrying missiles and equipped with a high-tech radar system; IRGC also announced it will produce unmanned drones capable of flying for up to 15 hours, at altitude of 2,000 meters.
Iran-US Relations
· US calls Iran space rocket launch “unfortunate”; White House said Iran's rocket launch would “further isolate Tehran from the international community”; “It is unfortunate Iran continues to test ballistic missiles,” said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
· Iran brushes off US rocket rebuke; Iran said such “scientific achievements” should not worry anyone; Iran fired the rocket to mark the opening of its first space center; Iran is expected this year to put an Iranian-built satellite into space for the first time.
· US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack described rocket launch as “another troubling development”; McCormack said Iran could use the same technology to fire ballistic missiles.
Leading Domestic Storylines
· More reformist candidates were disqualified to stand for parliamentary elections; Safdar Hosseini, chairman of the elections committee of Reformists Coalition, said it the government wants to “deprive the reformists of contesting the elections.”
· Iranian internet users reached 18 million; Saeed Mahdioon, director of Iranian Information Technology Center (ITC) said 27 percent of the country's population is connected to Internet.
Leading Regional Storylines
· Iran hits out at France over military base; Iran criticized France for setting up a military base in the Persian Gulf; Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said French permanent presence in Persian Gulf “would harm peace” in the region.
· India to skip Tehran meeting on Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline; Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora was reported unlikely to attend the mid-February meeting called by Iran to finalize the long-delayed IPI gas pipeline project; New Delhi has since July 2007 boycotted tri-lateral meeting on the pipeline project; Iran's demand for revision of prices every five years was reported to be the factor behind India’s hesitancy to join IPI.
· Iraq accuses Iran of siphoning Iraqi oil in border region; Iraqi government has sent a letter to the Iranian embassy in Baghdad demanding that Tehran stop encroaching on the oil fields; Iraqi foreign ministry officials said Iraq is to send a delegation to Iran to discuss the issue; Baghdad wants to negotiate a solution to its border dispute with Tehran and to reach an agreement for developing joint oil wells in the border region.
· Iran and Egypt to broaden ties; Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, the supreme leader's representative, held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Husni Mubarak; the two sides expressed willingness to restore diplomatic relations; Iran and Egypt cut their diplomatic ties since the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979; Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to visit Egypt by April.
· Iranian Parliament speaker supports Sudan's policy in Darfur; Gholam Ali Haddad-Ade reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Sudanese government's stance on the issue of Darfur; Haddad-Adel was in Khartum on an official visit.
Iran Space Program
· Iran launches space rocket; the rocket was codenamed “Kavoushgar-1” [Explorer-1]; the launch was broadcast live on IRIB, Iran’s state-run TV network; ISNA reported the rocket was launched from a desert location near Semnan in central Iran; Iran also inaugurated its first space center; the space center contains the launch pad for space rockets and also house an underground control station with tracking, control and communication equipment.
· Iran announced it will launch its first homemade research satellite this year; the satellite is named “Omid” [Hope]; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the test firing of Kavoushgar-1 was an essential step into launching the satellite aboard a similar rocket; Omid is to be set at a low orbit.
· In Tehran, President Ahmadinejad declared: ”We witness that Iran has taken its first step in space very firmly, precisely and with awareness”; the influential conservative daily Keyhan called the rocket “Iran's first ambassador in space.”
Iran Nuclear Program
· Iran’s president said he was withdrawing proposal on uranium enrichment; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he is withdrawing a proposal made in 2005 for an international consortium to enrich uranium; “This proposal is no longer on the table,” said Ahmadinejad; he added that Iran’s “right to enrich uranium” must be preserved.
· US changed its tone on Iran’s nuclear program; Iran may have nuclear weapon by 2009, said US director of national intelligence; John Michael McConnell added Iran will be capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for a weapon by late 2009; McConnell reported to US Congress that US remains “concerned” about Iran’s intentions; he added US intelligence community “assess with moderate-to-high confidence” that Iran has kept its options open to develop nuclear weapons.
· New sanctions to prompt Iran to freeze uranium enrichment, said Russia; Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said a new round of international sanctions on Iran should encourage it to freeze uranium enrichment; he added that the third round of UN sanctions on Iran would send a “serious political signal” to Iran to suspend its enrichment program.
· French Defense Minister Herve Morin cast doubt on reports that Iran had halted its suspected nuclear weapons program; Morin said in Washington that “information from a number of intelligence services” indicate Iran is “continuing to develop” its nuclear weapon program; US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) had said Iran halted its nuclear weapon program in 2003.
Iran Military Developments
· Iran designed radar-evading fighter jets; Iran's Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Miqani said Iran has started production of the new generation of fighter jets equipped with radar-evading systems; Iran is now self-sufficient in manufacturing air defense and radar systems required for its defense, Miqani added.
· IRGC to use new attack helicopters; Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they begin using the first Iranian-made helicopters capable of carrying missiles and equipped with a high-tech radar system; IRGC also announced it will produce unmanned drones capable of flying for up to 15 hours, at altitude of 2,000 meters.
Iran-US Relations
· US calls Iran space rocket launch “unfortunate”; White House said Iran's rocket launch would “further isolate Tehran from the international community”; “It is unfortunate Iran continues to test ballistic missiles,” said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
· Iran brushes off US rocket rebuke; Iran said such “scientific achievements” should not worry anyone; Iran fired the rocket to mark the opening of its first space center; Iran is expected this year to put an Iranian-built satellite into space for the first time.
· US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack described rocket launch as “another troubling development”; McCormack said Iran could use the same technology to fire ballistic missiles.
Leading Domestic Storylines
· More reformist candidates were disqualified to stand for parliamentary elections; Safdar Hosseini, chairman of the elections committee of Reformists Coalition, said it the government wants to “deprive the reformists of contesting the elections.”
· Iranian internet users reached 18 million; Saeed Mahdioon, director of Iranian Information Technology Center (ITC) said 27 percent of the country's population is connected to Internet.
Leading Regional Storylines
· Iran hits out at France over military base; Iran criticized France for setting up a military base in the Persian Gulf; Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said French permanent presence in Persian Gulf “would harm peace” in the region.
· India to skip Tehran meeting on Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline; Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora was reported unlikely to attend the mid-February meeting called by Iran to finalize the long-delayed IPI gas pipeline project; New Delhi has since July 2007 boycotted tri-lateral meeting on the pipeline project; Iran's demand for revision of prices every five years was reported to be the factor behind India’s hesitancy to join IPI.
· Iraq accuses Iran of siphoning Iraqi oil in border region; Iraqi government has sent a letter to the Iranian embassy in Baghdad demanding that Tehran stop encroaching on the oil fields; Iraqi foreign ministry officials said Iraq is to send a delegation to Iran to discuss the issue; Baghdad wants to negotiate a solution to its border dispute with Tehran and to reach an agreement for developing joint oil wells in the border region.
· Iran and Egypt to broaden ties; Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, the supreme leader's representative, held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Husni Mubarak; the two sides expressed willingness to restore diplomatic relations; Iran and Egypt cut their diplomatic ties since the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979; Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to visit Egypt by April.
· Iranian Parliament speaker supports Sudan's policy in Darfur; Gholam Ali Haddad-Ade reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Sudanese government's stance on the issue of Darfur; Haddad-Adel was in Khartum on an official visit.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Iran Launches Space Rocket
Kavoushgar-1 Lauched into Space(Photo: Ettelaat)
Iran today launched its first space research rocket. The rocket is codenamed “Kavoushgar 1” (Explorer 1). The launch was broadcast live on IRIB, Iran’s state-run TV network. ISNA reported that the rocket was launched from a desert location near Semnan.
Iran’s first space center was also inaugurated during a ceremony attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The space center contains the launch pad for space rockets.
The centerpiece of the space center will be a domestically-developed research satellite, named “Omid” (Hope). Omid will be launched from the space center, making Iran only the 11th country with technology to launch a satellite into space. The launch date for Omid Satellite has not been disclosed, although media reports indicated the satellite would be launched in the coming months. The test firing of Kavoushgar 1 today was an essential step into launching the satellite aboard a similar rocket. Omid will be set at a low orbit.
The new space center will also house an underground control station with tracking, control and communication equipment required to launch space rockets and satellites.
In October 2005, a Russian rocket launched Iran's first satellite, Sina-1, which carried telecommunications equipment.
Today’s launch shows Iran’s rapid advancement in developing rocket technology and long-range ballistic missiles.
The White House called the launch “unfortunate.” The White House spokeswoman said Iran will “further isolate itself” within the international community.
The launch of space rocket comes on the eve of 29th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran.